Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 2.djvu/134

120 and skill in machinery, which we bring into the present coalition, when combined with the knowledge of their own country, which the Mexican miners possess in the very highest degree, and applied, gradually, in the mode best adapted to the local peculiarities of each District, must, in the end, have a beneficial influence, and must tend to increase, ultimately, the annual produce of the mines.

This has been already exemplified in more than one instance, as at Real del Monte, and Bolaños, neither of which Districts could have been worked without the aid of European science, to direct the efforts of the natives. In other districts, where capital alone was wanting, the introduction of our machinery was superfluous; in all, however, it will be hereafter of use, for there is a point, at which the machinery of the country, (however improved) ceases to be of any avail. I do not, therefore, regard the expence which has been incurred at Guanajuato, by the Anglo-Mexican Company, for machinery, (but a small portion of which is now in use,) as money lost to the Adventurers. The expence might have been avoided, and was therefore injudicious, as it increased the outlay, in the first instance, so enormously, as almost to occasion the dissolution of the Company; but a time will come, (before the contracts can expire,) when a part, at least, of this machinery may be turned to account upon the spot; while, if the impulse given to the mines continue, opportunities will be found for disposing of